I chose the limited obanzai breakfast at the famous "Yayoi" restaurant in Kyoto on the first day of my trip. It consisted of plenty of rice cooked in a single pot and various side dishes. Each dish had a refined and delicate flavor, and everything was delicious. I also noticed other menu items like pasta that I would like to try next time.

I had a delicious tea pickled rice bowl at Yayoi near Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. It was incredibly tasty with shredded mountain pepper, sardines, and kelp simmered in soy sauce. It's delicious on its own or with dashi tea poured over it. The atmosphere of the restaurant is also great. It might be the best cost performance! Thank you for the meal ^_^

Located between Yasaka Shrine in Gion and Kodai-ji Temple, there is a shop called "Yayoi Main Store" that sells chirimen sansho and other items. In the back of the shop, there is a hidden cafe called "Hanare Cafe". Chirimen sansho is famous in Kyoto, and it caught my interest when the celebrity Chisato Sakashita mentioned on TV that she likes the chirimen sansho from this shop. I did some shopping in the front area, but I haven't taken photos of everything yet, so I will write a separate review later. This time, I will talk about the "Hanare Cafe" in the back. The food menu mainly consists of the following three items: - Jako rice porridge (650 yen) (limited to 10:00-11:00) - Jako pasta (1,450 yen) - Ochazuke set meal (1,450 yen) I wanted to try the ochazuke set meal, so I made a reservation for two servings when I called in advance, and they prepared the rice pot for us to arrive at 11:00. This is because it takes about 20 minutes for the rice to cook after ordering, and they only serve 10 portions on weekdays and 20 portions on weekends and holidays, so it's better to reserve in advance. When we sat down, they served us water and later hojicha. The ochazuke set meal we ordered included rice cooked in a pot, miso soup, simmered winter melon, rolled omelette, sesame tofu, simmered komatsuna and shimeji mushrooms, and chirimen sansho, along with black bean pound cake. The winter melon had a subtle yuzu fragrance and was surprisingly delicious. The miso soup had a nice flavor as well. The teapot for the ochazuke had dashi and genmaicha broth inside. The delicate seasoning of the chirimen sansho from this shop paired perfectly with the broth, making it very delicious. We enjoyed authentic Kyoto cuisine in a Kyoto-style shop and had a wonderful time. The Hanare Cafe at the back of the shop may not be easily noticed while walking down the street, making it a hidden gem. They have many customers for breakfast when they open at 9:00, but if you visit at 11:00, it might be easier to make a reservation. If you have the chance, why not give it a try?

I went to Kyoto to experience being a Geisha. As a way to pass time before that, I was strolling around Gion. When I found this place, it was just around lunchtime and it was full, so I had to wait a bit. I really wanted to try the ochazuke, but they only serve it from 3:00 pm onwards, so I gave up and shared a curry with my friend instead. It was incredibly delicious!!! While listening to my friend's complaints, I took the first bite and it was so delicious that I couldn't focus on the conversation. I just gave random responses at that moment (sorry, haha). That's how good it was! The girl next to us ordered shaved ice, and after taking lots of pictures, she started eating it but stopped halfway because there was too much! She was alone so she had to finish it by herself. After finishing our meal, we enjoyed some hojicha that we prepared ourselves. It was a fun experience.

I visited Gion Festival in Kyoto with my 3-year-old grandchild for the first time. My grandchild's favorite food is chirimen sansho (dried young sardines with Japanese pepper), so I come to Yayoi monthly to buy it. This time, I brought my grandchild to the main store of Yayoi for the first time and let them eat as much chirimen sansho as they wanted. Of course, I ordered the ochazuke set for three people. My grandchild finished the chirimen sansho from their plate all by themselves. After eating, we also tried some chirimen sansho samples at the entrance shop. I was happy to see how much my grandchild loves it. Yayoi main store is located right next to Yasaka Shrine during the Gion Festival, and many people may not be familiar with the restaurant in the back. It's recommended to make a reservation for the limited 10 servings of morning rice porridge set or ochazuke set in advance. Even if you order on the spot, they cook the rice, so if you call 30 minutes before your visit, you can eat without waiting. You can also sample the tsukudani sold in the shop and enjoy Kyoto-style rice at this unique restaurant! *Please forgive the lack of introduction photos due to multiple visits.

Saturday 9:50 am arrival. Summer hours are from 9:00 onwards. The restaurant is not crowded and the customers are mainly families and couples. By 10:20, it was almost full. I made a phone reservation 5 minutes before arriving and was seated at a table in the back. It takes 20 minutes to cook the food, but they can pre-cook it if you don't want to wait. I ordered the Ochazuke set for ¥1390, which includes side dishes, soup, rice, dessert, and special broth. While waiting, you can enjoy free samples in the sales area. The food arrived in 13 minutes, which was fast. The presentation was nice, and there was a generous amount of side dishes. The rice was cooked just right, without any burnt parts. I ordered an extra bowl of rice because there were a lot of side dishes. The broth in the Ochazuke was light, complementing the side dishes well. The staff were polite and the overall experience was enjoyable. It was a delicious and satisfying meal. Thank you for the meal.

Located in Gion Shijo-Kawara Kiyoi, Kyoto, this cafe is known for its Kyoto-style simmered dishes. The nearest station is Gion Shijo Station, but it's quite far, so I recommend taking a bus or taxi to get there. If you decide to walk, aiming for Yasaka Shrine might help you find your way. This place is famous for its chirimen sansho (dried baby sardines with Japanese pepper) and simmered dishes, making it a great spot for souvenirs. The interior has a hidden gem-like atmosphere with a calm and modern space. During my visit, I tried the ochazuke set meal, which was delicious and filling.

Rice cooked in a hot pot, various side dishes, even just a little bit can make you quite full. The meal ended with a ginger sorbet.

Tea Jelly Parfait for 720 yen.

I visited this restaurant for lunch a while ago. I was drawn to the unique Kyoto-style course meal, which came with a variety of side dishes along with rice and miso soup. It was fun to try all the Kyoto-style rice accompaniments and I enjoyed the experience.

I went to have breakfast. I was able to eat quietly and enjoy the food that soaked into my body. There were various types of pickles and tsukudani scattered around, so I think it's a shop that girls really like.

I have always loved Yayoi's chirimen jyako, so I visited the restaurant with high expectations. When I was led to a stylish cafe area away from the main store, I was delighted by the chic music and decor. The wait for the meal was enjoyable as I listened to the music. The meal, although simple in appearance, was delicious and made the dining experience enjoyable. Pouring dashi and tea over the rice to make ochazuke was a comforting touch. I would love to visit again when I go to Kyoto.

In June 2018, I visited Kyoto and strolled through Gion, heading towards "Yayoi," my favorite shop in Kyoto for "chirimen sansho" (dried baby sardines with Japanese pepper). While I occasionally buy it at Isetan Shinjuku in Tokyo, I wanted to purchase it as a souvenir at the main store in Kyoto since I was there. The shop blended well with the quaint streets of Kyoto, and the atmosphere was lovely. I tried some samples at the storefront and made my purchase. Feeling a bit hot, I wanted to take a break, and the staff kindly explained that there was a café in the back and guided me there. It felt like being escorted to a VIP room. The café had a spacious and relaxing atmosphere with a mix of Nordic furniture, lighting, and Japanese elements. A glimpse of a small garden could be seen in the back, adding to the calming ambiance. The slightly mellow music playing in the background was soothing. While chatting with the friendly staff, I ordered the "sansho cake set" with black tea for 830 yen. After about 15 minutes, it was served! The matcha pound cake with a hint of Japanese pepper was delicately warm. It had a slightly crumbly texture, not as fluffy and moist as chiffon cake. The taste didn't quite live up to the visual appeal, but the accompanying whipped cream and moist red bean were delicious. The crunchy fiber-like vegetable or fruit added a nice texture, tasting like a glazed treat with a hint of liquor. Later, I found out it was bamboo shoots soaked in brandy and sweetened, which I really enjoyed. The café also offers light meals such as rice porridge, pasta, and ochazuke. Overall, it was a cozy café with a Kyoto vibe, and I left fully satisfied. Thank you for the meal~

◆This restaurant, known for its delicious chirimen sansho (dried baby sardines with ground Japanese pepper) and tsukudani (preserved food simmered in soy sauce), offers a variety of side dishes to accompany their rice, making it a perfect choice for a meal. The rice, made from Shiga's Omi rice, is cooked gently in a clay pot until soft and fluffy. In addition to their signature chirimen sansho, there are various condiments such as dashimaki tamago (rolled omelette with broth), white fish balls, and turnip simmered together, creating a lively and flavorful experience. After enjoying the first bowl of rice, the second bowl can be turned into ochazuke (rice with hot tea poured over it). The refined chirimen sansho, the flavorful iwashi bijin (beautiful sardines), the firm yet velvety kombu (kelp), and the sweet shrimp and chirimen sansho each bring out their unique flavors in the ochazuke. This restaurant offers a Kyoto-style breakfast at a reasonable price, perfect for those looking for a cozy dining experience. ◆Menu for this visit: Ochazuke set meal: Chirimen sansho, gobou (burdock root) salad, iwashi bijin, shrimp and chirimen sansho beans, black beans cooked in red wine, ochazuke set meal (diced kombu, burdock root, mountain vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, chirimen sansho), bamboo shoot dashimaki tamago, white fish balls and turnip simmered together, clay pot rice, persimmon and walnut yokan, apple chiffon (lunch) 1390 yen per person. ◆How to enjoy this restaurant: Attached to the chirimen sansho and tsukudani restaurant is a café. The ochazuke set meal ordered this time costs 1390 yen and is available from 11:00 AM, with reservations recommended. There is also a chirimen sansho porridge menu available from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The modern and elegant atmosphere of the restaurant, blending Japanese and Scandinavian influences, provides a calming dining experience. ◆Source: Tabelog Magazine (2017/11/24) Bon appétit!

Chirimenn sansho pepper, along with several types of tsukemono, served with white rice and ochazuke. This is a breakfast I definitely want to have. The rice, cooked in a clay pot for each order, is shiny and slightly moist with a hint of sweetness and aroma, making it quite delicious. I start by indulging in the chirimenn sansho pepper, which has a flavorful taste with a mild numbing sensation and a moist texture. The contrast between the rice and the chirimenn sansho pepper is wonderful. I also enjoy the gobo, iwashi, and ebijako tsukemono in between bites. The strong flavors of the tsukemono complement the rice well. For the second serving, I decide to divide it in half and enjoy it twice. The tea served is hojicha mixed with dashi, adding a unique touch to the ochazuke. The rich-flavored tsukemono, enveloped in the aroma of the tea, brings a comforting feeling. Overall, the chirimenn sansho pepper remains my favorite. It was a delightful breakfast. Thank you. The cafe is located at the back of the retail store. Upon informing the staff at the front about dining or using the cafe, they will guide you through a corridor crossing the courtyard. The interior has a stylish atmosphere that would appeal to women, with ample space between tables and bright sunlight streaming in from the courtyard. The staff's service is polite and pleasant.

Just a little south of Yasaka Shrine, there is a place called "Jubanseru" known for its Gion fondue. About two doors down from there is the long-established shop "Yayoi" specializing in chirimen sansho (dried fish with Japanese pepper). They have a variety of chirimen sansho and tsukemono (pickles) for sale, and you can also try samples. There is a café space in the back of the shop where they offer a limited tea rice bowl set, serving 10 on weekdays and 20 on weekends and holidays, for 1480 yen. I had just had a second helping of breakfast at my inn, but I couldn't resist the "limited" offer. First, a paper with instructions on how to eat is placed on the table. Then, small dishes of chirimen sansho and tsukemono from the shop are served, along with side dishes and tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette). The rice is cooked in an iron pot after you order, using Omi rice, a special type of rice. At first, I thought it might be too watery, but it turned out to be fluffy and sweet. I sprinkled the luxurious chirimen sansho on top, and it was delicious! The aroma of the Japanese pepper was delightful. The tsukemono from the shop was also very tasty, especially the iwashi (sardine) one. I wanted to have more rice, but unfortunately, they only serve one bowl as it is a tea rice bowl set. When I had eaten about half, I topped the rice with tsukemono that would go well with ochazuke, poured hojicha (roasted green tea) over it, and enjoyed it as ochazuke. It was a luxurious experience. The tamagoyaki was also delicious! Even though I was full, I managed to finish everything. They only serve 10 sets on weekdays starting from 10 am, so if you're visiting Kyoto, consider booking a hotel nearby and having brunch here at 10 am. If you like it, you can also purchase items from the shop.

Near the Minami-ro-mon gate of Yasaka Shrine is Yayoi, known for its chirimen sansho. The shop, built in a sukiya-zukuri style, offers a charming space in Kyoto. The café is located in a separate building at the back, providing a sophisticated approach to hospitality. The café space combines a solid Nordic modern style with the atmosphere of the ancient capital. Despite the small number of seats, the layout gives a relaxed feeling. From the food menu, I chose the anchovy pasta. The original anchovy pasta is said to have a cream sauce base, but you can also choose peperoncino, which is what I chose. The salad that comes with the set is a turnip and ginger salad with Kyoto-style wheat gluten and chirimen sansho sprinkled on top, making it a substantial side salad. The pasta has a hot noodle with the fragrance of anchovy, and the oil is light so it is refreshing. For dessert, there is a light sansho cake with red bean paste and whipped cream. The combination of matcha, sansho, and a hint of spiciness in the sweetness enhances the overall flavor. The high level of service at the café and the retail area left a lasting impression.